Craftsmen Training Scheme

Craftsmen Training Scheme is one of the oldest and most important vocational training schemes run by the central government. It is handled by the Directorate General of Training under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and training is given through a wide network of Industrial Training Institutes and National Skill Training Institutes across the country.

Right now, admissions for the August 2026 session are open. The last date to apply is 8 August 2026, so eligible students should not delay. The scheme covers 169 NSQF-based trades, and over 26 lakh trainees are already enrolled on the NCVTMIS portal. The scheme is still running and taking fresh admissions this year.

Craftsmen Training Scheme - Introduction

Craftsmen Training Scheme was launched by the Government of India in 1950 to make sure there is a steady flow of skilled workers for the domestic industry. It trains young people in different trades so they can find stable jobs and reduce unemployment among educated youth. The scheme has been shaping skilled workers through a huge network of ITIs spread across all states and union territories.

From 1956, the day to day running of ITIs was handed over to the state governments, and from 1 April 1969 the financial control also went to the states. The central government still looks after the training standards, exams and certification, while each state handles admissions. So a student applies for admission through the admission portal of their own state.

At present the scheme offers training in 169 NSQF-based trades through about 14,643 ITIs across the country. This includes around 3,331 government ITIs and 11,312 private ITIs. Around 26.58 lakh trainees are enrolled in the one year and two year courses on the NCVTMIS portal. A similar central skill scheme, the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, also helps young people get short term skill training and certification.

Highlights of Craftsmen Training Scheme

Benefits

Hands on vocational training

The scheme offers training that lasts from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the trade. Most of the time is spent on practical work, with only a smaller part on theory. Students learn in well equipped workshops using modern tools under the guidance of trained instructors, which prepares them for a real job from day one.

Recognised certificate and better job chances

On finishing the course, a student gets a certificate from the National Council for Vocational Training. This certificate is accepted across India and improves the chances of getting a job in the trade. The training matches current market needs so that students meet what employers expect. To appear for the Final Trade Test, a student must keep at least 80 percent attendance.

Students who want to earn while they learn can also look at the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, where they get on the job training and a stipend from the employer.

Eligibility

To join the scheme, a candidate should meet these conditions:

1. The candidate must be an Indian citizen.

2. The age should be between 14 to 40 years, depending on the specific trade.

3. The minimum educational qualification for the chosen trade must be met, which generally ranges from 8th to 12th standard.

4. Basic knowledge of the local language, Hindi, or English is required.

5. The candidate must be medically fit for the physical work of the chosen trade.

For example, a student who wants to join the Electrician trade must be within the age limit, have passed the 10th standard, and provide a medical certificate confirming normal colour vision.

Application Process

Admissions for CTS are done online through the admission portal of the student's own state. Follow these steps to apply.

STEP 1 - Go to the official list of state wise CTS admission portals on the NIMI website and select the portal for your state.

STEP 2 - Register on the state portal with a mobile number and create a login. Fill in your personal details, educational history, and choose the trade you want.

STEP 3 - Upload the required documents such as mark sheets, age proof, and Aadhaar card, and pay the application fee if your state asks for it.

STEP 4 - Submit the form and note down your application ID for future reference.

STEP 5 - Once the merit list is published, report to the allotted institute for document verification and admission confirmation.

Deadlines are announced before the start of each session. For the August 2026 session, the last date to apply is 8 August 2026.

Documents

Keep the following list of documents ready during the application process:

• Educational mark sheets and certificates
• Age proof such as a birth certificate or 10th standard certificate
• Aadhaar card
• Caste certificate if you belong to a reserved category
• Income certificate for fee concession claims
• Medical fitness certificate from a registered doctor
• Recent passport size photographs
• Domicile certificate

CTS All India Trade Test 2026

For students already enrolled, the Directorate General of Training has released the schedule for the CTS All India Trade Test 2026 Mains examinations. The practical exams were held from 29 June to 3 July 2026, and the computer based test runs from 9 July to 3 August 2026. The result is expected to be published on 10 August 2026. Students can download their hall tickets from the exam portal and must carry a printed admit card along with a valid photo ID on the exam day.

References

Official Craftsmen Training Scheme page on the DGT website

State wise CTS admission portals on NIMI

List of CTS courses

CTS guidelines and circulars

FAQ's

What is the typical age limit to apply?

The candidate should generally be between 14 to 40 years old, though this may vary slightly by trade.

Is the training certificate recognized everywhere?

Yes, the National Council for Vocational Training certificate is accepted for employment across India.

What happens if I have poor attendance?

You must keep at least 80 percent attendance. If it falls below this, you cannot appear for the Final Trade Test.

Are there specific physical requirements?

You must be physically and medically fit for your trade. Some trades, like electrical work, may require a colour vision test.

Can I apply if I only have an 8th-grade qualification?

Yes, many trades accept candidates with an 8th to 12th standard education depending on the difficulty of the syllabus.

What is the last date for ITI admission in 2026?

For the August 2026 session, the last date to apply is 8 August 2026. It is better to apply early because seats are limited.